: Talking Titles
Ern Carne advises authors to employ their best creative talents in thinking up titles for their articles, stories and books.
For many new writers the title they give their ‘masterpiece’ is just an afterthought. Often it does nothing to invite a reader to get interested in the story.
Successful writers give their title a lot of earnest consideration. They look upon it as an advertisement for the story and it must be one that grabs attention. It should also hint at the story to follow but not give away any secrets.
My two favourite short stories have excellent titles which are intriguing and draw one into reading the stories that follow. Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter is particularly brilliant.
The same can be said for O Henry’s Gift of the Magi. Henry is credited with being the first writer to introduce the ‘twist in the tail’ and the ironic twist in this story is heartbreaking.
Both stories can be read on the web through Google.
It is not necessary to give your story a title until after it is completed. Use a working title, if you wish, After the editing is finished, an obvious title may stare out at you. If not, read the story again and you will be surprised how often a winner glitters back at you.
Those of you who write non-fiction will have noticed that many titles can be classified into categories. For example, superlatives. Biggest, Best, Oldest, Cheapest.
Top Ten Business Franchises.
The Greatest Diet Ever.
A Sure Way to make Money Writing.
Titles which contain numbers are always popular. Perhaps the reader thinks he’s getting more.
Ten Never Fail Racing Systems.
One Hundred ways to Make Money at Home.
Five Ways to ask for a Pay Rise.
Paradox is another popular way to get attention.
Regular Winner has a Losing Streak.
He was too Bright for the Job.
The Rich Kid without a Friend.
Outrageous statements are sometime used by people with something to sell.
I Can make you a Published Writer in 10 days.
You Only Have to be Warm to Write.
Italian Olive Oil is Best.
Alliteration can often produce a catchy title for a non-fiction article. It seems to work well for products such as Coca-Cola, Betta Butter, Pete’s Pizzas etc.
Teaching titles are probably the most prolific of the categories.
How to learn Brain Surgery at Home.
How to Write a story that Sells.
How to Lose 10 pounds while you Sleep.
Dig out those old stories and take another look at their titles.
Could something better help push the story along?
See you in the bookshops,
